Arsenal have been linked with a move for Italian international and Juventus winger Federico Chiesa. After suffering a major knee injury, the winger missed the majority of the season and there are suggestions the Italian giants are open to selling their former untouchable star.
As reported by Repubblica, both Arsenal and Newcastle have made an approach to potentially sound out the Old Lady amid interest in Chiesa. A deal would be pricey, however, the Gunners do have priorities in other positions.
To find out more about the 25-year-old football.london spoke to Italian football expert Kaustubh Pandey regarding the winger. From the price, the suitability with the Arsenal team and his style, we’ve spared no details.
Against Roma in January of 2022, Chiesa suffered a serious cruciate ligament injury meaning he missed the remainder of the 22/23 season. He returned to action more than a year later last February, coming on in the final Champions League group stage match against PSG but questions remained about how he would respond.
“Attitude-wise, he has hit the ground running since returning,” said Pandey when asked about his return. “I remember watching his [Serie A] return against Inter and he looked as if he was never gone.
“He was still fairly nippy, quick and determined to take players on and beat them. He also scored against Monza in the cup to essentially mark his return.
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“There were fears of another injury not too long later but it only proved to be a minor issue. But in terms of his confidence and approach, he has looked fairly like the older version and ended the season really well.”
As Pandey says, nippy and quick are good terms to describe Chiesa. However, there’s far more to his game than simply related to saw speed.
“I'd say he's a complete winger," Pandey added. "He can carry the ball forward, link up with those around him and could even act as a runner in behind to receive threaded passes in space.
“He loves taking players on confidently and beating them and that is a vital trait of his. He can play on either flank but even played as a second striker at Fiorentina.
“It is clear to see that he thrives more in attacking systems and the lack of one under Max Allegri is why he struggles at Juve as he operates further away from goal and isn't allowed to take risks on the ball. His skillset needs a system where he operates more often in the final third so that he can use his traits in the decisive areas and not deeper.
The price remains a question, especially considering a huge bulk of what Arsenal will spend this summer is expected not to go on the front line and instead both the midfield and defence.
“It looks as if Juve would want around €45 million to €50m for him, as they want to recover as much as they can from what they spent on him," Pandey continued. "That is similar to what they're trying for Dusan Vlahovic.
“There is talk of a €60m price tag for Chiesa but considering Juve's situation, they will settle for less.”
Arsenal have a plethora of wide talent and starters Bukayo Saka and Gabriel Martinelli do not look like budging. Emile Smith Rowe has found this out the hard way.
Plus there’s then the player’s view of things to consider. Would he be open to a move where guaranteed minutes are not immediately given but instead need to be earned?
“I don't think Arsenal need a wide player worth €50million because their starting wide players are good enough to play for any team in Europe and Leandro Trossard has done really well too," Pandey said. "I don't think Chiesa will settle for a rotation role and he would only join a club where he plays every game and regains the old confidence. I don't think Arsenal would allow that.”
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